JP4225914B2 - How to improve or limit the use of mobile electronic devices - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for improving and / or limiting the use of mobile electronic devices in certain environments or locations.

  Improvements in mobile electronic devices such as portable CD players, cellular phones, handheld computers, etc. have made these devices widely used regardless of where they are located. While the convenience of carrying and using such mobile electronic devices almost everywhere is just enabling, there are times and places where the use of such devices is inappropriate or dangerous. In restricted areas, warning signs and notifications are commonly used to instruct users to turn off such devices, but adherence to such instructions is largely left to the user.

  Examples of places where mobile electronic devices are inappropriately used include concert halls, movie theaters and libraries. Examples of places where the use of mobile electronic devices is dangerous include aircraft, hospitals and automobiles. Although self-policing of restriction of use has been the primary means of restricting the use of such devices, several attempts have been made to impose restrictions on the use of such mobile electronic devices.

  Tanaka et al. (US Pat. No. 6,122,486, Sep. 19, 2000) have identified radio waves to limit their use while radio devices are located in a radio wave transmission prohibited area. A transmission restriction system is disclosed that uses magnetic field fluctuations in addition to the prohibited radio frequency at the entrance / exit to the transmission prohibited area.

  Linz et al. (US Pat. No. 6,159,529, Feb. 27, 2001) produces an interference signal that is strong enough to ensure that the received power does not exceed the minimum required power. A transmission blocker is disclosed.

  Grube et al. (US Pat. No. 5,778,304, Jul. 7, 1998) to allow a resource controller to determine if it is located within a predefined restricted transmission area. Discloses a system in which a communication device includes a GPS receiver and transmits position information. Thus, the resource controller can automatically limit accessibility to communication services.

The problem with these approaches is that the mobile electronic device user is not presented with an alternative to being restricted, thereby preventing the user from fully using the mobile electronic device, To become frustrated or frustrated.
US Pat. No. 6,122,486 US Pat. No. 6,159,529 US Pat. No. 5,778,304 US Pat. No. 5,877,882

  For safety reasons, users of mobile electronic devices can make the best use of the functionality of the mobile electronic device or be indecent to people around the user, while still maintaining restrictions within an environment. Or, there is a need for enhancements that make it possible to avoid inconvenience.

Accordingly, the present invention, in a first embodiment, provides a method for controlling and improving the use of wireless electronic devices within a given environment, the method being centralized within the given environment. Sending a wireless control message from the control computer, establishing a wireless communication link between the control computer and the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device enters its environment and receiving the control message, wireless from the central control computer Instructing the electronic device to disable one or more functions in the wireless electronic device and disabling one or more associated with the central control computer from the central control computer to the wireless electronic device access to the functionality, the method comprising transmitting a command to provide a mobile electronic device, stearyl wireless communication link establishment Further receiving, by the mobile electronic device, a radio control message, interpreting the control message as an identification request from the central control computer, and information indicating the mobile electronic device to the central control computer, the mobile electronic device Sending a radio identification message containing the address of the device and the address of each function within the electronic device.

  One or more functions associated with the central control computer are: wireless transceiver, global positioning system, antenna, speaker, microphone, printer, display screen, keyboard, voice response, database, spreadsheet, computer game, video game , Processing power, document processing, map, guidance or a combination thereof.

  Preferably, the function or functions associated with the central control computer replace the disabled function or functions in the wireless electronic device.

  One or more functions associated with the central control computer are enhancements to the mobile electronic device, which preferably provide one or more functions that the mobile electronic device does not have.

  Functions within the mobile electronic device can be a keypad, keyboard, display, speaker, microphone, transceiver, joystick, memory, transmitter, receiver, electronic flash, peripheral driver, printer, scanner, or combinations thereof Preferably it is selected.

  The function within the mobile electronic device is preferably selected from a user input device, a user output device, a transmitter, a receiver, a memory, a transceiver, an I / O controller, a driver for a peripheral device, or a combination thereof.

  Mobile electronic devices are mobile phones, handheld personal computers, personal organizers, palmtop computers, computerized notepads, global positioning systems (GPS), electronic video game players, It is preferably selected from a video player, an MP3 audio player, a personal digital assistant, a digital camera, a video recorder, an audio recorder or a combination thereof.

  Preferably, the mobile electronic device includes a wireless transceiver for transmitting and receiving a radio signal selected from radio frequency or infrared.

  The given environment can be selected from aircraft, hospital, car, museum, library, movie theater, concert hall, theater, amusement park, taxi, train, restaurant, stadium, shopping street, office building preferable.

  The given environment is preferably limited as an area where transmission of radio control messages can be received by the mobile electronic device.

  Preferably, the radio control message includes a request for information representing the mobile electronic device, a request for address provision to the function of the mobile electronic device, a request for address provision of the mobile electronic device, and combinations thereof.

  The address of the mobile electronic device is preferably selected from a pre-assigned address or an address randomly generated by the mobile electronic device when a radio control message is received by the mobile electronic device.

  The step of establishing a radio communication link further includes receiving, by the mobile electronic device, a radio control message, interpreting the control message as an identification request from a central control computer, and sending the radio identification message to the central control computer. Preferably, the wireless identification message includes information representing the mobile electronic device, an address of the mobile electronic device, and an address of each function in the electronic device.

  The step of establishing a wireless communication link further stores the address of the mobile electronic device and the address of each function within the mobile electronic device, and the mobile electronic device monitors messages addressed to the assigned address of the mobile electronic device. And monitoring messages from the assigned address of the mobile electronic device by the central control computer.

  Each message addressed to or from the assigned address of the mobile electronic device is performed by the address of the mobile electronic device, the address of one or more functions of the mobile electronic device, and one or more functions of the mobile electronic device Preferably it includes instructions.

  Providing the wireless electronic device with access to one or more functions associated with the central control computer further includes receiving a message from the mobile electronic device, an address of the function of the mobile electronic device included in the message, Preferably, the method includes comparing to a list of mobile electronic device function addresses included in the identification message and instructing an alternative function of the central control computer to implement the instructions included in the message.

  Providing the wireless electronic device with access to one or more functions associated with the central control computer further displaying a menu of available functions to the user and enabling the user to use the functions; Preferably, receiving a request for, and providing the requested functionality to the user.

  In a second embodiment, the present invention provides computer program code for causing a computer system to perform the steps of the method according to the first aspect when loaded and executed in the computer system. A computer program is provided.

  Preferred functions of the second aspect include computer code functions corresponding to the functions of the preferred method of the first aspect.

Preferably, the present invention provides a computer program product comprising instructions implemented on a computer readable medium for transmitting a radio control message from a central control computer within a given environment. A transmission command of
An establishment instruction for establishing a wireless communication link between the control computer and the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device enters the environment and receives a control message;
Related to the central control computer from the central control computer to the wireless electronic device and a transmission command to communicate the command to disable one or more functions in the wireless electronic device; And a communication command for transmitting the command to provide the mobile electronic device with access to one or more functions.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for controlling and improving the use of wireless electronic devices within a given environment. This method involves sending a radio control message from a central control computer within the given environment, between the control computer and the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device enters the environment and receives the control message. Establishing a wireless communication link, communicating instructions to the wireless electronic device from the central control computer to disable one or more functions within the wireless electronic device, and centrally transmitting from the central control computer to the wireless electronic device Including instructing the mobile electronic device to provide access to one or more functions associated with the control computer. Preferably, the one or more functions associated with the central control computer replace one or more disabled functions in the wireless electronic device and include a wireless transceiver, a global positioning system, an antenna, a speaker, It is selected from a microphone, printer, display screen, keyboard, voice response, database, spreadsheet, computer game, video game, processing capability, document processing, map, guidance, or a combination thereof. One or more functions associated with the central control computer may include enhancements to the mobile electronic device, which provide one or more functions that the mobile electronic device does not have.

  Preferably, the functionality within the mobile electronic device is a keypad, keyboard, display, speaker, microphone, transceiver, joystick, memory, transmitter, receiver, electronic flash, peripheral driver, printer, scanner, or combinations thereof Selected from. On a larger scale, functions within the mobile electronic device are selected from user input devices, user output devices, transmitters, receivers, memories, transceivers, I / O controllers, peripheral drivers, or combinations thereof. It is preferable.

  Mobile electronic devices used in preferred embodiments of the present invention include mobile phones, handheld personal computers, personal organizers, palmtop computers, electronic notepads, global positioning systems (GPS), electronic video games. A player, a video player, an MP3 audio player, a personal digital assistant, a digital camera, a video recorder, an audio recorder, or a combination thereof is selected. Each such device preferably includes a radio transceiver that transmits and receives radio signals selected from radio frequency or infrared.

  The present invention may be selected from, for example, an aircraft, a hospital, an automobile, a museum, a library, a movie theater, a concert hall, a theater, an amusement park, a taxi, a train, a restaurant, a stadium, a shopping street, and an office building. Can be implemented within the environment. A given environment may limit the transmission of radio control messages as an area that can be received by the mobile electronic device.

  The radio control message from the central control computer includes a request or otherwise provides the mobile electronic device with information representing the mobile electronic device, the address of the mobile electronic device function, the address of the mobile electronic device, and combinations thereof Can be encouraged to do.

  The step of establishing a wireless communication link further includes receiving, by the mobile electronic device, a wireless control message, interpreting the control message as an identification request from a central control computer, and transmitting the wireless identification message to the central control computer. The wireless identification message includes information representing the mobile electronic device, the address of the mobile electronic device, and the address of each function within the electronic device.

  Establishing the wireless communication link further includes storing an address for the mobile electronic device and each function within the mobile electronic device; monitoring messages addressed to the mobile electronic device's assigned address by the mobile electronic device; And monitoring by a central control computer for messages from the assigned address of the mobile electronic device. Each message addressed to or from the assigned address of the mobile electronic device may include the address of the mobile electronic device, the address of one or more functions of the mobile electronic device, or both, and the one or more of the mobile electronic device. It can be included with the instructions that the function performs.

  Providing the wireless electronic device with access to one or more functions associated with the central control computer further includes receiving a message from the mobile electronic device, an address of the function of the mobile electronic device included in the message, wirelessly Comparing a list of mobile electronic device function addresses included in the identification message and instructing an alternative function of the central control computer to implement the instructions included in the message.

  The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers represent like parts of the invention.

  For purposes of illustration only, one preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method is provided for a central control computer installed in a given environment to communicate wirelessly with various mobile electronic devices entering the given environment to control and improve its use. Provided. Each of the mobile electronic devices of preferred embodiments of the present invention has a wireless transceiver. The central control computer sends discovery signals and control messages to mobile electronic devices within radio transmission range. This allows the central control computer to search for mobile electronic devices when they enter a given environment. Indeed, the central control computer is an electronic device control system (EDCS) that controls some or all aspects of the mobile electronic device as it enters a given environment.

  A given environment can be in a wide range of areas, such as airplanes, hospitals, cars, museums, libraries, cinemas, concert halls, theaters, amusement parks, taxis, trains, restaurants, stadiums, shopping streets, office buildings, etc. possible. Examples of mobile electronic devices may include mobile phones, global positioning systems (GPS), personal digital assistants, video recorders, digital cameras, video games, laptop computers, personal organizers, and so on. Upon receiving a search control message from the central control computer, such a mobile electronic device is reconfigured so that it can be used immediately as a slave of the central control computer. Get limited control or management rights, such as restrictions on flash usage, video or audio recording capabilities. The preferred embodiment of the present invention further enables an alternative device that provides the same functionality as that of a restricted or disabled mobile electronic device, and is a central control computer that was not included in the mobile electronic device itself. Enabling the functionality brings enhancements to the mobile electronic device. Examples of these enhancements include wireless transceivers, global positioning systems (GPS), antennas, speakers, microphones, printers, display screens, keyboards, keypads, voice responses, databases, spreadsheets, computer games, processing power, There can be maps, guidance, and document processing.

  Preferred embodiments of the present invention are not limited to including only one mobile electronic device that is controlled by a central control computer in a given environment. Since the connection between the central control computer and the mobile electronic device is wireless, the central control computer can control multiple mobile electronic devices. Furthermore, such control can be accomplished without additional cables and expensive hardware such as multipath I / O. Control of the mobile electronic device can be accomplished simply by providing contention management to the interrupt controller and operating system software of the central control computer.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram of a mobile phone that can be used in a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Although much of the following description is directed to a mobile phone that communicates with a central control computer in a given environment, the present invention relates to a handheld personal computer, personal organizer, palmtop computer, electronic notepad, Similarly for other devices such as global positioning system (GPS), electronic video game, video player, MP3 audio player, personal digital assistant, audio recorder, video recorder, digital camera, audio player, etc. Is suitable.

  The mobile phone 10 includes a casing 11, an LCD 12, and an antenna 14 for transmitting signals to and from the mobile phone network. Such signals include audio streams and computer readable files or instructions such as, for example, email via an Internet service provider. A conventional speaker 17, microphone 16, and input device 13 are included with a power supply 15 that is typically implemented as one or more batteries. The power source 15 may further include an external power source, such as an AC adapter, that overrides or charges the built-in battery. The input device is typically a keypad 13, which is a numeric and alphanumeric key 13a that is commonly found on telephones, but is not limited to a power key, a send key, and various menu scroll / function keys. Including other function keys 13b used for operating the mobile phone. For wireless communication with the central control computer, a dedicated internal or external transceiver is used, as discussed in FIG.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing functional components of the mobile phone 20. The microphone 16, the speaker 17, the display 12, the keypad 13, and the power source 15 are connected to the I / O controller 25. An antenna 14, a transmitter 18, a modulator 18a, a demodulator 19a and a receiver 19 are included as well. These devices transmit signals to and receive signals from the cellular phone network via the antenna. The I / O controller 25 controls the transfer of data and signals to and from cellular phone input / output devices such as the keypad 13, display 12, speaker 17, microphone 16 and the like. System bus 26 provides communication between processor 22, I / O controller 25, and memory 21. The term “system bus” is considered herein to include an internal bus as well as any expansion bus coupled to the internal bus via a bridge, such as an ISA bus or a PCI bus. The memory 21 stores various parameters of the mobile system and the value of a number assignment module (NAM). The memory also stores an application program 27 as well as an operating system program 23 that includes instructions for the cellular phone components for operating the cellular phone. These programs are executed on the processor 22. The transceiver 24 is connected to the bus via the I / O controller 25 to communicate with the central control computer. The cell phone may be implemented with a transceiver 24 that is coupled to or both of the IR (infrared) transceiver or the RF (radio frequency) transceiver antenna 14a, or the transceiver is mounted on the cell phone antenna 14. It can also be combined.

  FIG. 3 illustrates a central control computer system 30 used in a given environment and in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Central control computer system 30 includes a digital transceiver 39 that is coupled to system bus 44 via an I / O controller 46. Digital transceiver 39 is also coupled to antenna 42. Digital transceiver 39 is used to send signals to and receive signals from mobile electronic devices such as mobile phones. The central control computer system 30 further includes input devices such as a display device 41 such as a monitor, a keyboard 37 and a conventional touch screen input device (not shown). Display device 41 may include an electroluminescent display, a liquid crystal display, or similar device. The central control computer system further includes components typically found within the computer, such as a processor 35, an interrupt controller 38, an I / O controller 46, a memory 36, and the like. Memory 36 may include RAM, ROM, hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM, or a combination of these devices. The memory 36 also stores application software 36a, an operating system 36b, and any necessary drivers 36c. Application software may include, for example, voice command recognition and map display software.

  The central control computer system 30 is also coupled to other components via a communication bus interface 43, and these other components are connected to a central control communication bus 45, and thus, in a given environment, mobile Electronic devices can be enhanced. For example, a plurality of video display devices 29 and keypads 31 may be attached to the back of each chair in the theater, possibly for use by a patron sitting in the seat behind them, for the entire theater or concert hall. Can be dispersed. During the performance, such a display informs an audience about the incoming call to the audience's mobile phone and presents an alternative that the audience can select with the keypad. During a break, these displays can provide information about restaurants or other interesting places in the theater area, and when the audience makes a selection using the keypad, the central control computer can connect to a particular restaurant. Directions can be downloaded, or images or audio from the performance can be downloaded directly to a mobile computer, telephone or other suitable mobile electronic device. Other examples of functions that can be connected to the communication bus 45 include a printer 34, a digital camera 33, and headphones 32.

  In FIG. 4, an alternative mobile phone 40 that can be used in a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a transceiver coupled to a different bus than FIG. In the mobile phone 40, the digital transceiver 24 communicates with an expansion bus 46 such as a USB or PCI bus, and this expansion bus does not communicate directly with the system bus 26, but via the bridge 47. 2 is similar to the mobile phone 20 shown in FIG. By communicating with the expansion bus 46, the digital transceiver 24 can take the form of an adapter card.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a digital transceiver 128 in a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone, and a digital transceiver 130 in a central control computer. The operation and use of digital transceivers is described in US Pat. No. 5,877,882. That patent is incorporated herein by reference. From the figure, it can be seen that input / output 150, address location 152 and data 154 are carried from the associated bus to and from transceiver 156. Information exiting the bus passes through transceiver 156 and then to FIFO buffer 158. The FIFO buffer 158 transmits the data 154 to the multiplexer 160. FIFO buffer 158 sends address 152 and input / output 150 to bus interface controller / decoder 162. The bus interface controller / decoder 162 then directs the information to the multiplexer 160, the serializer 164, or back to the FIFO buffer 158. Multiplexer 160 directs information to serializer 164. The serializer 164 then sends information to the transmitter driver 166 which then exits as a wireless transmission 168 such as radio frequency or infrared light.

  Incoming wireless transmission 170 enters receiver amplifier 172 and is deserialized in deserializer 174. The deserializer 174 then sends information to the demultiplexer 176. Information proceeds from demultiplexer 176 to FIFO buffer 178 for distribution to bus interface controller / decoder 162 or to transceiver 156. Bus interface controller / decoder 162 sends information to deserializer 174, demultiplexer 176, or transceiver 156. The transceiver 156 then sends the received information to the bus. It should be noted that the system of FIG. 5 can be implemented as software rather than hardware, but performance may be degraded.

  The architecture shown in FIG. 5 allows for clock variation between the computer and the mobile electronic device. Since any device that meets the wireless link requirements can communicate with the computer, the connection of devices from various manufacturers is easily achieved. Digital transceivers also eliminate the need for multi-pin connectors between the mobile electronic device and the central control computer.

  It should be understood that the digital transceivers 128, 130 operate in the same way, with one transmitter transmitting a signal to the other receiver. The digital transceivers 128, 130, whether they are coupled directly to the internal bus 26 (as in FIG. 2) or coupled to the wireless expansion bus 46 (as in FIG. 4), are described above. It should also be understood that this works. Accordingly, the same reference numerals are given to components of the digital transceiver 130 to indicate the same function.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the data flow between the mobile electronic device 120 and the central control computer 122 over both the serial communication channel 180 and the parallel communication channel 182, shown here as an 8-bit channel. A parallel communication channel can be implemented using eight transceivers (not including a transceiver dedicated to the search channel) configured to transmit and receive signals at eight different frequencies. These figures are intended for the architecture of FIG. 4, but a similar figure can be presented showing the architecture of FIG.

  FIG. 8 shows a flowchart of a search process performed between a central control computer and a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone according to the present invention. The example discussed in FIG. 8 is for a mobile phone search process, but the search process can be applied to a wide range of mobile electronic devices, examples listed above. In states 200 and 202, both the central control computer and the cell phone, each equipped with a wireless transceiver, are turned on. In state 204, the I / O controller transmits a search signal on the search frequency. Preferably, this search frequency is a standard frequency assigned for mobile electronic devices that monitor and search for electronic device control system devices such as a central control computer. Alternatively, the search frequency can be any frequency assigned to the mobile electronic device for monitoring. Preferably, the search signal also includes an identification request or, alternatively, any mobile electronic device receiving the signal takes the name of the central control computer and addresses the functions contained within the mobile electronic device; And prompts to provide the address of the mobile electronic device itself. Functions within the mobile electronic device include, for example, a keypad, keyboard, display, speaker, microphone, transceiver, joystick, memory, transmitter, receiver, printer, scanner, drivers for peripheral devices, and electronic flash. Alternatively, the central control computer can communicate the request for explanation after communication between the central control computer and the mobile electronic device is established. This alternative method is necessary if the mobile electronic device was sending a search signal.

  In state 206, the mobile phone monitors the search frequency for a search signal. In state 208, if the cell phone transceiver does not detect the search signal, in state 206, the cell phone continues to monitor the search signal. If, at state 208, the transceiver detects a search signal, at state 210, the transceiver informs the wireless driver that it has found a central control computer. In state 215, the wireless driver prepares a message that claims itself as a mobile phone and further provides the address of the mobile phone's capabilities, including the user I / O device, and the mobile phone address. The mobile phone address may be a pre-assigned address or may be a randomly generated address when preparing a message. A randomly generated address will more reliably eliminate duplication with the address of another mobile electronic device in a given environment.

  States 220 through 224 are steps of the polling method. At state 220, the wireless driver polls the transceiver for the current use of the search frequency, and at state 222, the wireless driver determines whether the search frequency is already in use. If the search frequency is currently in use, at state 224, the wireless driver waits for a unique timeout period before polling the search frequency again. Maximizes search frequency availability by avoiding repeated polling of a mobile electronic device at exactly the same time and interval that another mobile electronic device is transmitting a search signal at the same frequency As such, a unique timeout period is preferably assigned to the mobile phone computer. In state 226, on the search frequency, the mobile phone sends an identification message. Similar to state 204, each EDCS transmits a search signal at the same search frequency to allow detection of an electronic device control system (EDCS) by the mobile electronic device. Alternatively, when a mobile electronic device detects a search signal traveling at a given frequency, the frequency may indicate what type of environment the EDCS is in, such as a hospital, aircraft, concert hall, etc. It is also possible to establish different frequencies used in different EDCS as shown in the device. Further, if it is possible to establish a system in which the mobile electronic device sends a search signal to the central control computer, the preferred method is that the EDCS sends the search signal as described in states 204-210. is there. This saves use of the mobile electronic device processor for other tasks and minimizes the use of power that must be supplied from the mobile electronic device battery.

  In state 228, the central control computer monitors the search frequency transceiver for an identification message from the mobile electronic device entering the given environment. If at state 230 no identification message is detected, processing returns to state 204 for additional transmission. If, at state 230, the transceiver detects an identification message from the mobile phone, at state 232, the central control computer determines whether it is configured to control the mobile phone. If in state 232, the central control computer determines that it is not set to control the mobile phone, the central control computer returns to state 204 and transmits a search signal. If at state 232 the central control computer determines that it is set to control the mobile phone, at state 234 the central control computer sends the mobile phone address and Stores the function address of the mobile phone.

  The mobile phone uses the address to identify the message received from the central control computer relative to messages sent from the central control computer destined for other mobile electronic devices in a given environment. The central control computer also uses this address to identify any messages sent from the mobile phone and distinguish them from messages sent from other mobile electronics in a given environment. Since both the central control computer and the mobile phone know that the other is present and how to communicate with the other, this ends what can be considered as a search process.

  9-10 show a flowchart of a communication process performed between the central control computer and a mobile electronic device such as a mobile phone after the search process. Although the examples discussed in FIGS. 9-10 relate to communication with a mobile phone, this communication process can be applied to the wide range of mobile electronic devices illustrated above. This communication process, including the method shown in FIGS. 11-13, is also used for all communications between the mobile electronic device and the central control computer. In state 236, the mobile phone's wireless driver monitors communications received by the transceiver for communications that include the assigned address. In state 238, the application program being executed by the central control computer generates a mobile phone control request that includes instructions for deactivating certain functions of the mobile electronic device, and then to the operating system. Send the request. The function that the central control computer requests to deactivate is a comprehensive list of functions that are inappropriate in that environment, or the function list sent to the central control computer in the radio identification message discussed in FIG. It is. According to state 240, the operating system passes the request to the I / O controller. After polling and determining that the communication frequency is not in use, in state 242, the I / O controller passes the request to the transceiver for transmission to the mobile phone.

  In state 244, the mobile phone determines whether the transceiver has received a control request that includes the assigned address. If a control request including the assigned address is not received, the wireless driver continues to monitor communication according to state 236. If an I / O request containing the assigned address is received, at state 246, the control request is passed through the transceiver to the device driver and the control request is processed, resulting in the requested function, For example, a cellular phone speaker, microphone, display, keypad, or combination thereof is deactivated. In state 248, in response to the control request, the cell phone sets itself to become a slave of the master central control computer. As a slave side device, the mobile phone device driver and processor from the mobile electronic device application program or, more specifically, from the processor of the master central control computer executing the mobile phone application program. Respond to all commands. This is possible because the mobile phone processor and I / O controller now communicate with the central control computer I / O controller and processor via the transceiver. The master central control computer only allows communication between the user and the functions of the mobile electronic device deemed appropriate by the central control computer. Further, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central control computer enables a function in place of the disabled function and enables other additional functions, thereby enabling a part of the mobile electronic device to be used. Even if the function may be disabled, the usefulness of the mobile electronic device will increase.

  In state 250, the mobile phone creates a confirmation message that the user I / O device has been disabled and the mobile phone has been set as a slave. In states 252 to 256, as described above, the mobile phone uses a polling procedure to determine that the communication frequency is not in use. In state 252, the wireless driver polls its transceiver for the current use of the communication frequency. In state 254, if the communication frequency is in use, in state 256, the wireless driver waits for a unique timeout period before returning to state 252. If the communication frequency is not in use at state 254, then at state 258, the wireless driver sends a confirmation message to the central control computer via the transceiver. Meanwhile, in state 260, the I / O controller of the central control computer monitors the communication frequency for messages received by the transceiver. If, at state 262, no message is received from the mobile phone, at state 260, the central control computer continues to monitor the message. In state 262, if the transceiver receives a confirmation, in state 270, the central control computer waits as the master, listens for messages from the mobile phone, or asks for a mobile phone from the user. Wait for the instruction. In state 272, the mobile phone waits in a slave state, listens for messages from the central control computer, requests an external call destined for the mobile phone, and monitors the mobile phone system.

  The central control computer sends a confirmation message to the mobile phone at the current time interval to confirm that the mobile phone should remain in the slave state. Otherwise, the mobile phone resets itself to normal and activates the keypad, display, microphone and speaker. This allows the mobile phone to be used when the central control computer can no longer control the mobile phone, for example when the mobile electronic device leaves the given environment. In state 280, the central control computer sends a confirmation message at the current time interval. In state 282, the mobile phone continues to monitor communications received by its transceiver from the central control computer for messages containing the assigned address. In state 284, if a confirmation message is received, in state 286, the mobile phone returns a message telling that it is still in the slave state, and this method is Continue to 272. In state 284, if no confirmation message is received, in state 288, the mobile phone determines whether the current time interval has elapsed. In state 288, if the current time interval has not elapsed, as in state 272, the mobile phone remains in the slave state. In state 288, if the current time interval has elapsed, in state 290, the mobile phone reactivates the I / O device and releases the slave setting so that the mobile phone returns to the normal state. A message that instructs the central control computer to release the mobile electronic device from control and reset itself to a normal state whenever the circumstances of the environment no longer require control of the mobile electronic device Note that, or the central control computer can send a message to release control of some mobile device functions.

  It is an important feature of the present invention that the process of mobile electronic device identification and addressing allows the central control computer and, optionally, other electronic devices to be searched, addressed and used. Therefore, the central control computer can control a mobile phone, a PDA, a notebook computer, etc., and set them to be controlled simultaneously. However, if all transceivers are communicating on the same frequency, the computer can only communicate with one device at a time. Even so, it is possible to achieve simultaneous visible communication by repeatedly switching transmissions from one mobile electronic device address to one or more other mobile electronic device addresses.

  In order to achieve true multi-channel communication with multiple mobile electronic devices, each transceiver, such as the eight transceivers that facilitate the 8-bit communication of FIG. 7, must transmit at a different frequency. When a mobile electronic device is discovered, the mobile electronic device is not assigned an address but is assigned a specific transmission frequency. Thus, any transmission on the assigned frequency is essentially a direct communication with the mobile electronic device.

  One optional function of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is to allow an operator of the central control computer to set specific preferences as to how to operate the central controller. It is expected that as soon as the identification message is received by the transceiver, it may be desirable to set an option to always automatically control the mobile phone or other mobile electronic device, as in state 232 of FIG. . Another advantageous option would be to limit the type of mobile electronic device that the operator wishes to control. For example, an operator may want to automatically accept cell phones and digital cameras, but not computer games or personal digital assistants. Other and additional settings are within the scope of preferred embodiments of the invention. Although it is possible to provide option settings within the mobile electronic device, it is preferred that the mobile electronic device has no choice other than having itself controlled by the EDCS.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method for receiving a mobile phone call in a concert hall or theater. In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, the central control computer is connected via a communication bus to a plurality of keypads and displays attached to the back of each theater seat. Although this example is for a mobile phone used in a concert hall or theater, the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is useful in any environment where the use of mobile electronic devices would be annoying to the surrounding audience or customers. Can also be used with many different types of mobile electronic devices listed above. In state 300, the mobile phone detects the central control computer controlling it, and the speaker, microphone, and keypad are deactivated, as shown in all of FIGS. In state 302, the central control computer requests the mobile phone user to associate the mobile phone with the user's seat number. This allows the central control computer to identify the position of the rear seat display that it uses to communicate with the user. In state 304, registration can be performed by keying in the telephone number assigned to the mobile phone or the address assigned to the mobile phone according to the method shown in FIG. In state 306, the central control computer waits and monitors for messages from the mobile phone. In state 308, there is no phone ring or display, but the mobile phone detects the incoming call and notifies the central control computer. In state 310, the central control computer informs the user about the incoming call by displaying a message on a display attached to the identified back of the seat. If the mobile phone has a caller ID notification function, the caller ID is displayed in the same manner.

  In state 312, the user determines whether to accept a mobile phone call. If at state 312 the user determines not to accept the call, at state 314 the call is either rolled over to voice mail or otherwise terminated. In state 312, if the user determines to accept a mobile phone call, in state 312, the user can ask for a call classification. If in state 316 the user decides to receive the call without seeking call classification, then in state 318 the central control computer responds to the mobile phone with a recorded message and the caller is notified to the user. Asks to wait while leaving to receive a cell phone call at a designated location for cell phone use or access. In state 319, the user may now connect the mobile phone to the central control computer (CCC) by entering the seat number using the keypad at the designated location. To inform. The central control computer allows the mobile phone to activate the disabled function, and the call can be released and processed normally. When the call ends, the mobile phone is again instructed by the central control computer to deactivate the speaker, microphone, display, and keypad.

  If in state 316 the user decides to call classification, the central control computer can use the recorded message to indicate the call status, such as waiting for an emergency, a break, or calling at another convenient time, Ask the caller of the mobile phone to identify from the menu selection provided. In state 322, the caller classifies the call using the telephone keypad, and in state 324, the central control computer displays the call classification on a display located on the back of the seat. In state 326, after viewing the call classification, the user determines whether to accept the call. If at state 326 the user decides to accept the call, then at state 328 the central control computer (CCC) is designated to the caller in a recorded message for use of the mobile phone. To wait until the user is able to take a mobile phone call. Then, in state 330, the user informs the central control computer that he may now be connected to the mobile phone by entering the seat number using the keypad at the designated location. The central control computer allows the mobile phone to activate the disabled function, and the call can be released and processed normally. When the call ends, the mobile phone is again instructed by the central control computer to deactivate the speaker, microphone, display, and keypad. The user first goes to a designated location for mobile phone use and uses the keypad at that designated location to activate the function that the central control computer is disabled during the user's call Note that a mobile phone can be used at any time by requesting

  If at state 326 the user decides not to take the cellular telephone communication, then at state 332 the user selects a message to be communicated to the caller from a menu provided on a display attached to the back of the seat. To do. Such a message may be, for example, wanting to leave a message, calling during a break, calling at the end of an event, or when specified by a user using the keypad from a seat. At state 334, the central control computer (CCC) notifies the caller of the rejection message and at state 336 offers to receive the message. If in state 336 it is determined that the caller does not leave a message, in state 338 the cell phone call is terminated. In state 336, if the caller determines to leave a message, in state 340, the central control computer (CCC) records the message and on the back of the seat display indicates that the message is waiting for the user. Notice. Then, in state 342, during the break, the user informs the central control computer (CCC) that he is ready to listen to the message using the keypad attached to the back of the seat, and the central control computer However, even if you do not go to the designated location, you can play the recorded message through the speaker of the mobile phone. However, to make a call in response to a message, the user must go to a designated location.

  Communication between the mobile electronic device and the central control computer is such that the central control computer knows the addresses of the various functions of the mobile electronic device, and the mobile electronic device usually goes to the address of the restricted or disabled function This is realized by knowing that the instructions generated by the mobile electronic device should be transferred to the central control computer via the wireless transceiver. For example, when an incoming call is sensed by a mobile phone, the mobile phone typically notifies the user about the incoming call by generating an audio signal that is directed at a speaker. However, since the speaker is deactivated, the preferred embodiment of the present invention is to send a command containing the address of the speaker to the central control computer. Upon receiving a command from the mobile phone, the central control computer determines from the mobile phone address, the device speaker address, and the command in the message that the speaker is about to make a sound. The user is notified by sending a message to a display attached to the back of the seat in front of the user.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a method for using a digital camera in a museum or other environment where the use of electronic flash is prohibited. Although this example is for a mobile phone used in a museum, the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is that the use of the functionality of the device can be annoying to the surrounding audience or customer, or the environment. It can be used with many different types of mobile electronic devices, examples listed above, in any environment that can harm or pose a risk to real estate or other people within. In this example, as shown in FIG. 3, a central control computer is connected via a communication bus to a plurality of keypads and displays attached throughout the museum. In state 400, the digital camera detects a central control computer in the museum. This central control computer controls the digital camera using the same method as shown in FIG. 8, except that it is applied here to the digital camera, and the assigned address of the digital camera. And stores the addresses of electronic flash, memory, and other functions. In state 402, the electronic flash is deactivated and communication is established in the same manner as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 as applied to the digital camera. This prevents the digital camera from using the electronic flash while in the museum, thereby preventing harm to the works on display at the museum.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides an enhancement that allows the use of a digital camera with a wireless transceiver in communication with a central control computer in a museum. One enhancement is that whenever a user takes or requests a photo, the central control computer downloads to a digital camera electronic photo of the work included in the selected museum. In addition, if the central control computer obtains a picture of the user and his companion from a digital camera connected to the communication bus, as shown in FIG. Overlay in front of the work, download it and present it as a souvenir for the group's visit. At state 404, the central control computer takes a picture of the group of users with a blind background at a location in the museum provided for that purpose. The photo is registered as belonging to the digital camera with the assigned address of the digital camera. In state 406, the user then selects a digital photo from a menu selection of available photos displayed on a display installed in the museum for that purpose, and the keypad provided on the display. Is used to order the selection and identify the address of the digital camera that orders the photo. In state 408, the central control computer (CCC) merges the group's photo with the photo of the selected work and in state 410 uses the address of the memory provided by the digital camera via the identification message. Download the merged photo into the memory of the digital camera or send the photo to an email address.

  In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, another example of enhancement is provided by downloading a map with a guide to a specific work of the museum or a section of the museum. In this method, in state 414, the user uses a display and keypad located at various locations throughout the museum to call the central control computer and guide the display to other parts of the museum. Ask. At state 416, the central control computer downloads the map containing the guidance to the digital camera's memory as required for viewing by the user.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a method for using a laptop computer in an aircraft. Although this example is for a laptop computer used in an aircraft, the method of the preferred embodiment of the present invention may make the use of the function of the device annoying the surrounding passengers, or It can be used with many different types of mobile electronic devices, listed above as examples, in any environment that can be dangerous at various times in a given environment. In this example, the central control computer is connected via a communication bus to a plurality of keypads, displays and headphones attached to the back of the passenger seat as shown in FIG. In state 500, prior to takeoff, the laptop computer detects a central control computer that begins to send a search signal when activated by an aircraft crew, which is shown in FIGS. The laptop computer is controlled and communication is established by the method shown in FIG. In state 502, the laptop computer display, speakers, joystick and keypad are disabled using the method of FIGS. In state 504, the central control computer determines whether, at predetermined intervals, the aircraft is in takeoff or landing posture. In state 504, if the aircraft is in takeoff or landing posture, in state 506, the laptop computer remains disabled and the method continues to state 504 until the next predetermined interval. Return. If at state 504, the aircraft is not in a takeoff or landing position, at state 508, the user determines that one of the enhanced features of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is to be used and is stored in the memory of the central control computer. A stored aircraft game library can be used. This may include the ability to play games with other passengers. In state 508, if the user decides not to use this feature, in state 510, the speaker remains disabled so that it does not disturb other passengers, but the headset in the passenger seat is Enabled for use, the user plays any video game played on the laptop computer, using headphones, via the central control computer. Alternatively, at state 504, if the aircraft is not in a takeoff or landing posture, at state 510, the user can determine whether to use a peripheral device available in the aircraft, such as a printer. If in state 518 it is determined that the user is not using an available peripheral device, similar to state 510, the user can use the laptop computer. If in state 518 the user decides to use the peripheral device, in state 522 the user presses the print button on the laptop computer and in state 524 the central control computer is on the aircraft printer. Print the user's document.

  If at state 508 the user decides to use the game library, at state 512 the user selects a game from a menu presented on the display behind the front seat. In state 514, the central control computer loads the selected game, displays the game on a display attached to the back of the seat, and plays audio through the aircraft headphones. Using the joystick and keypad of the laptop computer, the user can use the laptop computer to play selected games that are run on the central control computer. The user may also be provided with an option to access other information such as the location of the plane displayed on a map of the area the plane is flying in.

  It will be understood from the foregoing that various modifications and changes may be made to the preferred embodiment of the present invention without departing from its true spirit. This description is for purposes of illustration only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The scope of the invention should be limited only by the language of the following claims.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a mobile phone suitable for use according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic diagram of a mobile phone suitable for use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a central control computer suitable for use in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a mobile phone suitable for use according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a digital transceiver in both a central control computer and a wireless mobile electronic device. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing data flow between a central control computer and a wireless mobile electronic device via a serial communication channel. FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing data flow between a central control computer and a wireless mobile electronic device via a parallel communication channel. FIG. 5 is a flowchart for a device discovery process performed by a wireless mobile electronic device and a central control computer. Figure 5 is a flow chart for a device communication process between a device and a central control computer. Figure 5 is a flow chart for a device communication process between a device and a central control computer. 5 is a flowchart of a method for using a mobile phone in a concert hall. 3 is a flowchart of a method for using a digital camera in a museum. 2 is a flowchart of a method for using a laptop computer in an aircraft.

Claims (5)

A method for controlling a plurality of mobile electronic devices in a given environment for a central control computer and providing it with additional functionality, the method comprising:
Transmitting a radio control message by multi-channel communication using different frequencies assigned to the plurality of mobile electronic devices within the given environment from the central control computer ;
Establishing a wireless communication link between the central control computer and the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device enters the environment and receives the wireless control message;
A step of the to the mobile electronic device from a central control computer communicates the instruction for disabling one or more functions of said mobile electronic device,
When the mobile electronic device disables the function and receives a confirmation message that it has been set to a slave state, the central control computer replaces the disabled function with the central control computer. Instructing the mobile device to provide access to one or more associated functions,
The step of establishing the wireless communication link further comprises:
Transmitting the radio control message to the mobile electronic device;
Information indicating the mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device address transmitted by the mobile electronic device to the central control computer by interpreting the wireless control message as an identification request from the central control computer, and Receiving a radio identification message including an address of each of the functions in the electronic device;
Including computer-executable manner.   One or more functions associated with the central control computer are: wireless transceiver, global positioning system, antenna, speaker, microphone, printer, display screen, keyboard, voice response, database, spreadsheet, computer game, video The method of claim 1, wherein the method is selected from a game, processing power, document processing, map, guidance, or combinations thereof. The functions in the mobile electronic device are keypad, keyboard, display, speaker, microphone, transceiver, joystick, memory, transmitter, receiver, electronic flash, peripheral driver, printer, scanner, user input device, user The method according to claim 1 or 2 , selected from among output devices, transmitters, receivers, memories, transceivers, I / O controllers, drivers for peripheral devices, or combinations thereof. The wireless control message includes a request for information representing the mobile electronic device, a request for providing an address for a function of the mobile electronic device, a request for providing an address for the mobile electronic device, and a request comprising a combination thereof; the method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A computer-executable program that, when loaded into a computer system and executed, causes the computer system to execute the steps of the method according to any of claims 1 to 4 .

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